Ranch operator's mother: Stop painting him as a horrible person

Thursday night, KOB brought you the story of three boys who claimed they were starved, beaten and shackled on Tierra Blanca Ranch.

The ranch operator, Scott Chandler, filed a lawsuit aimed at stopping a state investigation.

Just as State Police close in on the property Friday, Chandler and the remaining boys have vanished.

KOB has been working all day to make contact with people inside the ranch.

We reached Chandler's mother, Kay. Here is the phone call:

Chandler: Are you listening?

Chris Ramirez: I'm listening to you.

Chandler: Scott is trying to get the children to their parents. All the parents are coming in to get their children. So please stop painting him as this horrible person.

Chris: Where are those kids and where is Scott right now?

Chandler: This is truth...I truly don't know. I have not talked to my son. I have just talked to the parents who are coming in. I would ask you to not set a trap for him and let him get the kids to their parents. That's what's far more important to us.

Chris: Well can I tell you what's important to the governor of New Mexico, State Police, and CYFD department; their concern is for the safety and welfare of those boys. They would like to know where those boys are and that seems to be what the main concern is here. Do you disagree with that?

Chandler: Do you hear me? Do you hear me? You're not listening. The governor, State Police, all of them need to realize the children's parents---the boys' parents---boys--B-O-Y-S from the program---can you hear me?

Chris: I can hear you...but with all due respect the primary issue is locating those boys. Do you know where they are?